"This project deals with the North American funeral ritual. I examined the ways in which the dead are treated both in current North American society and in other cultures, the underlying concepts behind these ways of doing things, and whether these practices truly serve the best interests both of the dead and of the living. Through my work I have sought to create value and memory through the use of symbolic content drawn from a number of traditions, as well as to promote healing through the thoughtful use of ritual."

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED ON THIS ENTRY

"More information on each object is available at my site. I understand that this seems like more than one "product" but its not really the objects that matter, it is the singular idea that the project embodies. All of these objects are meant to be placed in the home to spark discussion and promote awareness. They all have secondary uses: a table/coffin, a vase/ urn, and a sculpture/ urn, respectively.

Every year in the U.S. 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid, 90,000 tons of steel, 2,700 tons of copper, 1,636,000 tons of concrete, and 30,000,000 bd. ft of wood are deposited in our cemeteries. That is only the material problem, the psychological dilemma runs even deeper.

The only way to change the way we deal with death is to talk about it, and the home is where we are most comfortable, so that is where I'm trying to spark the discussion."

• About Design Showcase 2010: This summer we're celebrating the best in design for the home. We're taking submissions from independent and student designers from around the world and letting our readers vote on who they think has the best design. There's also a panel of august judges (no pun intended). Two winners will win $20,000 in targeted advertising placements on our sites to help launch their careers. All info is here with SUBMISSION FORM.